A laser ignition apparatus including at least two laser light generating devices and a common optical coupling-in means for coupling laser light from the at least two laser light generating devices into a combustion chamber of a combustion machine, wherein the at least two laser light generating devices are so arranged that laser light given off by the laser light generating devices in the operating condition impinges on the optical coupling-in means and/or issues from the optical coupling-in means in parallel displaced relationship or at an angle to each other. A method of igniting a fuel/air mixture in a combustion chamber of a combustion machine.